With this weekend's celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, the church marks the conclusion of the Christmas Season and the beginning of Ordinary Time.
"The origin and foundation of Christian baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist. The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters.
Jesus’ immersion in the water is a sign for all human beings of the need to die to themselves to do God’s will. Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin. However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father." (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults)
We began our life in Christ at our baptism. It was in the waters of baptism that we receive a gift that calls us to walk in the light of Christ and live by His wisdom and example. We are called to live out our baptismal promises every day and rely on the graces given to us. Don't think of your baptism as a one-time event in your past. Use this weekend to reflect upon your baptism.
What do you know about your own baptism? Was it important that you be baptized? Was when or where important? Who was present? Who were the Godparents? Why were they chosen? Were there disagreements?
Has the fact that you are baptized ever been important for you? Is it now?
Jesus left his home and familiar surroundings to be baptized. Are there things that you have left behind in order to respond to God’s invitation in your life? Are there places where you may be resisting leaving the familiar or the comfortable?
Check out little Liam Gene, recently baptized at Resurrection Parish, dressed in a baptismal garment made from his great-grandmother’s wedding dress!
How might your household of faith celebrate baptisms?
Do you pass on special family traditions from one generation to the next?
For more ideas on marking the anniversaries of family baptisms – check out this resource:
Join us for Mass this weekend in person at 4:oo on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
Join Steve as he reflects on this Sunday's Scripture readings. How will love bring forth the call in living out your baptism?
Project Nazareth
This is an initiative that will deliver weekly resources to Churches of the Home. These resources will give suggestions for how to Pray, Listen, Act and Ponder with a given topic throughout the course of each week. Project Nazareth will explore the fundamental Gospel message of the Sunday Mass and other special topics such as the Year of the Eucharist.
This is a way to weave faith formation into the fabric of family life.
Families
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
The Bible In A Year
Have you begun listening and reflecting with The Bible in a Year?
If not, it's not too late to start
This podcast from Ascension is hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz and features Jeff Cavins. It guides Catholics through the Bible in 365 daily episodes starting January 1st.
Love Life
The LoveLifeMinistry West crib is filling up with wonderful items which will be shared with low-income families raising newborns and toddlers here in the greater Green Bay area.
Our parish supports the USCCB Respect Life program Walking with Moms in Need through our commitment to both the East & West side Love Life locations, and in addition, we continue to advocate for just wages and quality affordable childcare throughout NE Wisconsin.
Prayers of gratitude for these Respect Life efforts!
Marriage Encounter
Green Bay Marriage Encounter invites married couples to attend the Spring 2022 weekend at the Quad Parishes in Green Bay on March 12/13, 2022.
We encourage married couples to GROW together in deep and loving communication between a husband, a wife, and God.
Discover together how your good marriage can be even better… or discover together new pathways to get your marriage back on track.
Visit our website www.GBME.org for more info and registration.
Announcements
Recent Loss to Our Parish Family
Humor
Did you hear about the priest that performed a baptism on an airplane?
It was a blessing in da skies.
Ruby and Res
Poor Ruby didn't get any of her Uncle Matt's cookies. It's not always easy being a puppy that can't eat chocolate.
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